Endoscope with distal tip having encased optical components and display orientation capabilities

ABSTRACT

An apparatus according to one embodiment includes an endoscope tip including a housing that is monolithically formed of a transparent material. At least one optical component is at least partially encased within the housing. The optical component can be, for example, a light source, a fiber optic, an imaging sensor, a lens, a reflector or a light shield. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes an endoscope having a distal end portion that includes a housing. The housing is monolithically formed with a transparent material and a light source is at least partially encased within the housing. The housing also includes a micro-defects portion within the transparent material of the housing. The micro-defects portion is configured to provide a selected output shape of a beam of light produced by the light source.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/176,624, filed May 8,2009, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to medical devices and more particularlyto endoscope devices and methods for using such devices

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of different types of endoscopes can be used in variousmedical, dental, and veterinary applications. Some known endoscopesinclude optical components such as a light source, an image sensorand/or lenses, at a distal end of the endoscope. It is often desirableto provide light focusing capabilities within the endoscope through theuse, for example, of lenses or other optical components coupled to theendoscope distally, near a light source (e.g., fiber optic or LED), ornear an image sensor (e.g., CCD). Such components are typically coupledto a structure at the distal end of the endoscope. For example, in someknown endoscopes, a lens is glued to a distal end of an optical fiber.In such a case, the lens may not be precisely positioned on the opticalfiber because the glue adhering the lens to the endoscope may not havebeen uniformly applied, or the lens may have moved relative to theposition of the optical fiber before the glue has completely dried. Inaddition, optical components can become loose or detached from theendoscope during use. This can result in reduced quality of imagesgathered during an endoscopic procedure and/or components can becomedetached from the endoscope and disposed within the patient's body.Moreover, some known endoscopes are designed for multiple use andrequire sterilization prior to re-use. The sterilization procedure canbe expensive and subject the delicate endoscope components (e.g.,lenses) to a harsh environment that may crack or otherwise damage theendoscope components, rendering the endoscope inoperable.

In addition, some known endoscopes use a diffuser to shape anillumination beam from an optical fiber or LED light source to moreclosely match the field of view of the imager. The diffuser is typicallyformed with a different material than the endoscope tip. This, togetherwith the small size required of the diffuser, can make such a diffuserdifficult to manufacture.

In some known endoscope systems, it can be difficult for thepractitioner to discern the orientation of an image as he or shenavigates the endoscope tip through a body lumen. If the practitionermisinterprets the orientation of the image, it can be difficult for thepractitioner to relocate an area of interest during a subsequentprocedure. In some cases, it may be desirable to adjust an image so thatcertain features (e.g., polyps, cysts) are displayed in a particularorientation, such as for example, in an upright or sideways orientation.

Thus, a need exists for an improved endoscope and endoscope tip that canprovide various light focusing capabilities and that is alsocost-effective to manufacture. In addition, a system that provides thepractitioner with the ability to manipulate the orientation of an imageis also needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide apparatuses and methodsrelated to endoscopes.

An aspect of the present disclosure includes an apparatus which mayinclude an endoscope tip having a housing in which the housing may bemonolithically formed of a transparent material. The apparatus mayfurther include at least one optical component at least partiallyencased within the housing.

Various embodiments of the disclosure may include one or more of thefollowing aspects: the optical component may be a light emitting diode;the optical component may be a fiber optic coupled to an illuminationsource disposed outside the housing of the endoscope tip; the opticalcomponent may be a light source and the apparatus may further include alight shield encased within the housing of the endoscope tip; theoptical component may be a light source and the apparatus may furtherinclude a light shield encased within the housing of the endoscope tipin which the light shield may have an opacity different than an opacityof the housing of the endoscope tip; the housing may define a workingchannel which may be configured to receive a medical tool therethrough;a reflector encased within the housing of the endoscope tip in which atleast a portion of the reflector may be disposed between a light sourceand an exterior surface of the endoscope tip; the endoscope tip mayinclude a micro-defects portion defined within the housing of theendoscope tip in which at least a portion of the micro-defects portionmay be disposed between a light source and a distal end of the endoscopetip; the endoscope tip may have an external surface defining an opticallens surface; and the transparent material may have a predefinedtransmissivity for a plurality of wavelengths.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes an apparatus having anendoscope with a distal end portion including a housing. The housing maybe monolithically formed with a transparent material and a light sourcemay be at least partially encased within the housing. The housing mayfurther include a micro-defects portion disposed within the transparentmaterial of the housing.

Various embodiments of the disclosure may include one or more of thefollowing aspects: the micro-defects portion may be configured toprovide a selected output shape of a beam of light produced by the lightsource; an optical component may be at least partially encased withinthe housing and in the housing may be monolithically formed about theoptical component; the housing may define a cavity and the apparatus mayfurther include an optical component at least partially disposed withinthe cavity of the housing, and the optical component may have anexternal surface entirely surrounded by a continuous boundary formed bythe housing; an image detector may be at least partially encased withinthe housing; and the housing may define a lumen configured to receive amedical tool therethrough.

A further aspect of the disclosure includes an apparatus having anendoscope including an elongate member and an image detector disposed ata distal end portion of the elongate member. The image detector may beconfigured to generate an image signal. The apparatus may furtherinclude a handle coupled to the elongate member of the endoscope and anactuator coupled to the handle. The actuator may be configured to beactuated by a user to modify an orientation of an image when the imageis displayed on an image display device and the image may be associatedwith the image signal.

Various embodiments of the disclosure may include one or more of thefollowing aspects: a processor operatively coupled to the actuator andconfigured to send a signal to the image display device to modify theorientation of the image; a processor operatively coupled to theactuator and configured to send a signal to the image display device todisplay a mark within the image when the image is displayed on the imagedisplay device, a location of the mark within the displayed image may beassociated with an orientation of the image relative to an endoscope;the actuator may be a first actuator and the apparatus may furtherinclude a second actuator coupled to the handle and the second actuatormay be configured to be selectively actuated by a user to send a signalto the image display device such that a mark may be displayed within animage, and the mark may indicate a location of an area of interestwithin the image when the image is displayed; the endoscope may includea housing disposed at the distal end portion of the endoscope, thehousing may be formed with a transparent material and the image detectormay be at least partially encased within the housing; and the endoscopemay include a housing disposed at the distal end portion of theendoscope, the housing may be formed of a transparent material and mayinclude a micro-defects portion formed in at least a portion of thehousing.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include a method ofinserting an endoscope into a body lumen of a patient and imaging thebody lumen with an image detector of the endoscope. The method mayfurther include actuating an actuator coupled to a handle of theendoscope such that an orientation of an image of the body lumen may bemodified when displayed on an image display device.

Various embodiments of the disclosure may include one or more of thefollowing aspects: the actuator may be a first actuator and the methodmay further include actuating a second actuator to send a signal to theimage display device such that a mark may be displayed within thedisplayed image of the body lumen at an area of interest; and theactuating may include rotating the actuator relative to the handle ofthe endoscope such that a reference mark on the actuator may be at adesired rotational location relative to the handle and the rotationallocation of the reference mark may be associated with an orientation ofthe displayed image relative to the endoscope.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inpart in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious fromthe description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theobjects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained bymeans of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in theappended claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only,and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an endoscope system according toan embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of an endoscopeaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an endoscope tip according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an endoscope tip according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of an endoscopeaccording to another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a portion of an endoscope systemaccording to an embodiment and a schematic representation of a bodylumen showing an image on an image display device in a firstorientation.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of the portion of the endoscopesystem and schematic representation of the body lumen of FIG. 6 showingthe image on the image display device in a second orientation.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments(exemplary embodiments) of the invention, examples of which areillustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the samereference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to thesame or like parts.

Endoscopes and methods of using endoscopes are described herein. In oneembodiment, an endoscope includes an endoscope tip having a unitaryhousing that encases various optical components. For example, suchoptical components can include image detectors, light sources,fiberoptics, light shields, lenses, etc. The housing can be formed witha transparent material that can be processed to induce micro-defectswithin the housing. Such micro-defects can provide light diffusingcapabilities. The micro-defects can be formed with a variety ofdifferent patterns to shape an illumination beam of light from a lightsource (e.g., a fiberoptic or LED light source). In some embodiments, anendoscope system includes an endoscope that permits the user to alterthe orientation of the display of an image captured using the endoscope.

An apparatus according to one embodiment includes an endoscope tipincluding a housing that is monolithically formed of a transparentmaterial. At least one optical component is at least partially encasedwithin the housing. The optical component can be, for example, a lightsource, a fiber optic, an imaging sensor, a lens, a reflector, adiffuser, a filter, or a light shield. In another embodiment, anapparatus includes an endoscope having a distal end portion thatincludes a housing monolithically formed with a transparent material. Alight source is at least partially encased within the housing. Thehousing also includes a micro-defects portion within the transparentmaterial of the housing. The micro-defects portion can be configured toprovide a selected output shape of a beam of light produced by the lightsource. The micro-defects portion can also form lenses, provide focusingor filtering capabilities, as well as diffusion. In some embodiments,micro-defects can also be formed within a fiberoptic light source.

In another embodiment, an apparatus includes an endoscope that includesan elongate member and an image detector disposed at a distal endportion of the elongate member. The image detector is configured togenerate an image signal. A handle is coupled to the elongate member ofthe endoscope and an actuator is coupled to the handle. The actuator isconfigured to be actuated by a user to modify an orientation of an imagewhen the image is displayed on an image display device. The image isassociated with the image signal.

In one embodiment, a method includes inserting an endoscope into a bodylumen of a patient. The body lumen is then imaged with an image detectorof the endoscope. An actuator that is coupled to a handle of theendoscope is actuated such that an orientation of an image of the bodylumen is modified when displayed on an image display device. In someembodiments, the method further includes actuating a second actuator tosend a signal to the image display device to cause a mark to bedisplayed within the displayed image of the body lumen at an area ofinterest.

It is noted that, as used in this written description and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referentsunless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, theterm “a fiberoptic” is intended to mean a single fiberoptic or acombination of fiberoptics. Furthermore, the words “proximal” and“distal” refer to direction closer to and away from, respectively, anoperator (e.g., surgeon, physician, nurse, technician, etc.) who wouldinsert the medical device into the patient, with the tip-end (i.e.,distal end) of the device inserted inside a patient's body. Thus, forexample, the endoscope end inserted inside a patient' s body would bethe distal end of the endoscope, while the endoscope end outside apatient's body would be the proximal end of the endoscope.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an endoscope system according toan embodiment of the invention. An endoscope 20 includes an elongatemember 22 that can be inserted at least partially into a body lumen (notshown in FIG. 1), a distal endoscope tip 30, and a handle 24 that isconfigured to be disposed outside the body lumen. The elongate member 22can be flexible, or can include a portion that is flexible, to allow theelongate member to be maneuvered within the body lumen. The endoscope 20can be inserted into a variety of different body lumens such as, forexample, a ureter, a gastrointestinal lumen, an esophagus, a vascularlumen, etc. The handle 24 can include one or more control mechanisms oractuators 26 that can be used to control and maneuver the elongatemember 22 of the endoscope 20 through the body lumen. The endoscope 20can also include an actuator 28 that can be used to actuate otherfunctions of the endoscope 20, such as to control or maneuver lenses,image detectors and/or other components associated with illuminatingand/or capturing images within a body lumen.

The endoscope tip 30 can be coupled to a distal end portion of theelongate member 22. The endoscope tip 30 includes a housing 32 that canbe formed, for example, with a plastic or glass material. In someembodiments, the housing 32 is formed with a transparent material andcan be configured, for example, to filter or enhance certain wavelengthsof light. The material used to form the housing 32 can be selected basedon a material's particular optical properties, such as its ability totransmit light of a particular wavelength(s). The housing 32 can be, forexample, molded or post processed to form optically transmissiveregions. The housing 32 can be monolithically formed (e.g., formed inone piece) or constructed of multiple components, for example,adhesively bonded together.

The housing 32 can encase various imaging or optical components. Forexample, optical components, such as one or more lenses 34, an imagedetector 36, and/or a light source 38 can be at least partially encasedor embedded within the housing 32. For example, optical components canbe at least partially disposed within a cavity in the housing 32. Insome embodiments, optical components can be insert molded within thematerial of the housing 32 such that they are entirely surrounded orencased by the housing 32. The encasing and/or partial encasing of suchoptical components within the housing 32 can prevent or limit contactbetween the optical component and an interior of the patient's body. Thehousing 32 can protect the optical components from damage and reduce therisk that the optical components will become dislodged during use of theendoscope 20 within a patient's body.

The housing 32 can define openings in communication with a cavity withinthe housing 32. Some optical components can extend partially within acavity of the housing 32. For example, an optical component can extendwithin a cavity of the housing 32 such that a distal end portion of theoptical component is encased within the housing 32 and a proximal endportion of the component can extend out a proximal end of the housing 32and through a lumen (not shown in FIG. 1) of the elongate body 122. Forexample, optical components having a power line or signal line, such aslight source 38 or image detector 36, can have the power line or signalline extending out of the proximal end of the housing 32.

Other types of optical components (not shown in FIG. 1) can also beencased within the housing 32, such as for example, directionalbaffling, shielding or reflectors. Such components can be used to directillumination toward or away from a desired region. For example, a lightshield can be used to reduce or minimize the transmission of light tocertain areas within the endoscope tip 30 or within the inspection sitewithin a body lumen of the patient. A light shield can be formed, forexample, by introduction of material ot increased opacity from thematerial of the housing 32. A reflector, can be formed, for example,with a reflective metallic material, and can be used, for example, toreflect and/or focus light from the light source 38 to the inspectionsite within the body lumen.

Although three optical components (lens 34, image detector 36, lightsource 38) are illustrated in FIG. 1, any combination andsub-combinations of components can be included within the endoscope tip30. The housing 32 can also define various optical surfaces (not shownin FIG. 1) used to modify light provided by a light source. Such anoptical surface can be, for example, a depression or other modificationof an outer surface of the housing 32 of the endoscope tip 30 to definelight focusing and/or dispersing effects.

In some embodiments, the housing 32 includes a micro-defect portion 40for diffusing, focusing, converging, or filtering light from a lightsource (e.g., light source 38). For example, the micro-defect portion 40can be used to shape an illumination beam from an optical fiber to matchmore closely the field of view of an imager. Typically, such diffusionis accomplished by placing a separate diffuser component over an outputend of an optical fiber. In such a case, because the diffuser is adifferent medium than the distal end of the endoscope, and due to thesmall size requirements for this type of diffuser, such diffusers can bedifficult to manufacture. Here, however, the micro-defect portion 40 canbe formed, for example, by mechanical roughing of a surface of thehousing 32, or introduction of small particles of another substance orgas bubbles into the housing 32 that deflect and/or diffuse the lightprovided by the light source.

In some embodiments, a micro-defect portion 40 is formed within thehousing 32 by laser processing. For example, in a housing 32 formed witha transparent material, micro-defects can be laser-induced into thehousing 32, for example, at a location that is at least partially withinthe path of light output from a light source (e.g., an optical fiber ora LED). In some embodiments, micro-defects can be induced or formedthrough other energy sources, such as, for example, a High IntensityFocused Ultrasound (HIFU), or with particle beams. Such defects can be avariety of different shapes, sizes and/or patterns, such as, forexample, concentric circles, stripes, or spots. Multiple micro-defectportions 40 can also be provided (e.g., individual defects or groups ofdefects). Individual micro-defects can have variable spacing resultingin variable densities within the housing 32. The defects can be placedradially from an optical axis and/or at various depths within thehousing 32. Such micro-defect inducing techniques, such aslaser-inducing techniques, can also be used on an end portion of anoptical fiber itself to shape an output beam of the optical fiber. Insuch an embodiment of an endoscope, an endoscope tip 30 may not beincluded.

In some embodiments, micro-defects can be formed such that they impartan apparent color to the medium in which they are induced (e.g., thehousing 32). Such defects can be produced to block or pass selectedwavelengths to act as a filter, for example, of red, blue, green orinfrared wavelengths. Micro-defects can also be used to producereflective surfaces within the housing 32. The reflective surfaces canbe of specific wavelengths or a band of wavelengths. Micro-defects canalso be used to produce lensing effects over or around a light source orimaging sensors.

The light source 38 can be, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) oran optical fiber. Light can be provided by more than one optical fiber,or a bundle of optical fibers. The proximal end of the opticalcomponents may be coupled to an external light source capable ofproviding light of a desired wavelength or wavelengths. An LED lightsource can also provide light of various wavelengths. The image sensor36 can be, for example, a solid-state image sensor, such as a chargedcoupled device (CCD), a charge injection device (CID), a photodiodearray (PDA) or complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS). The lens34 can be formed with for example, glass or plastic. The lens 34 can beeither separate from or attached directly to the image sensor 36.

The endoscope 20 can also include one or more lumens (not shown inFIG. 1) extending through the elongate member 22 and/or handle 24. Insome embodiments, the elongate member 22 of the endoscope 20 can includea single lumen that can receive therethrough various components. Forexample, optical fibers or electrical wires can pass through a lumen ofthe endoscope 20 to provide illumination, imaging capabilities, power,and/or signals at or from a distal end portion of the endoscope 20. Forexample, the endoscope 20 can include imaging optical fibers and/orillumination optical fibers (not shown in FIG. 1). The endoscope 20 canalso be configured to receive various medical devices or tools (notshown in FIG. 1) through one or more lumens of the endoscope 20, suchas, for example, irrigation and/or suction devices, forceps, drills,snares, needles, etc. An example of such an endoscope with multiplelumens is described in U.S. Patent No. 6,296,608 to Daniels et, al., thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.In some embodiments, a fluid channel is defined by the endoscope 20 andcoupled at a proximal end to a fluid source (not shown in FIG. 1). Thefluid channel can be used to irrigate an interior of a body lumen. Insome embodiments, an eyepiece can be coupled to a proximal end portionof the endoscope 20, for example, adjacent the handle 24, and coupled toan optical fiber that can be disposed within a lumen of the endoscope20. Such an embodiment allows a physician to view the interior of a bodylumen through the eyepiece.

A system controller 50 can be coupled to the endoscope 20 and configuredto control various elements of the endoscope 20 as described in moredetail below. The system controller 50 can include, for example, aprocessor 52, an image controller 54, and a light controller 56. Thelight controller 56 can include an external light source for providinglight to the light source 38 of the endoscope 20. In some embodiments, afilter device and/or a spectrometer (not shown in FIG. 1) are alsoprovided. The external light source can be configured to provide lightat various different wavelengths. For example, the external light sourcecan send light at various wavelengths associated with visible light,infrared light and/or ultraviolet light. The image controller 54, theprocessor 52 and/or the light controller 56 can be coupled to an imageor video display device 60 (e.g., a computer, a monitor or other knownimage display device) via the system controller 50 or by a separateconnection. Thus, in alternative embodiments, some or all of thesedevices can be provided as separate components, separate from the systemcontroller 50.

The image detector 36 can be coupled to the imaging controller 54 viaelectrical wires that pass through a lumen of the endoscope 20 asdescribed above. Thus, images of a body lumen can be captured by theimage detector 36 and processed by the image controller 54. The imagescan also be displayed on the image display device 60.

As stated above, the light source 38 can include illumination fibers(not shown in FIG. 1) that can be coupled to the light controller 56.The illumination fibers can be used to transfer light from an externallight source (not shown in FIG. 1), through the endoscope 20, and into abody lumen. The illumination fibers can be formed, for example, with aquartz material or other suitable glass or polymer material capable ofsending and receiving various wavelengths of light. The illuminationfibers can be a single fiber or a bundle of multiple fibers.

In some embodiments, the endoscope 20 can also include imaging fibers(not shown in FIG. 1) (rather than or in addition to an image detector36) that can be disposed through a lumen of the endoscope 20 and can becoupled to the system controller 50. The imaging fibers can be disposedthrough the same or different lumen of the endoscope 20 as theillumination fibers. Images of a body lumen and/or an object within thebody lumen can be captured and processed by the image controller 54 or aspectrometer (not shown). The captured and processed images can also bedisplayed on the image display device 60. Imaging fibers can also beused to send light to a spectrometer (not shown in FIG. 1) for aspectral analysis of the interior of the body lumen.

The processor 52 of the systems controller 50 can be operatively coupledto the light controller 56 and the image controller 54. The processor 52(e.g., central processing unit (CPU)) includes a memory 57 that canstore and process images or other data received from the endoscope 20.The processor 52 can analyze images, and calculate and analyze variousparameters and/or characteristics associated with an image or other dataprovided by the endoscope 20. The processor 52 can also be operativelycoupled to the various components of the system controller 50. As statedabove, in alternative embodiments, the light controller 35, the imagecontroller 54 and/or processor 52 are separate devices and can becoupled to the endoscope 20 using a separate connector or connectors. Insuch an embodiment, the image controller 54 and light controller 56 canoptionally be coupled to each other and/or the system controller 50.

The processor 52 can be, for example, a commercially-available personalcomputer, or a less complex computing or processing device that isdedicated to performing one or more specific tasks. For example, theprocessor 52 can be a terminal dedicated to providing an interactivegraphical user interface (GUI). The processor 52, according to one ormore embodiments of the invention, can be a commercially-availablemicroprocessor. Alternatively, the processor 52 can be anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a combination ofASICs, which are designed to achieve one or more specific functions, orenable one or more specific devices or applications. In yet anotherembodiment, the processor 52 can be an analog or digital circuit, or acombination of multiple circuits.

The memory 57 of the processor 52 can store code representinginstructions to cause the processor 52 to perform a process. Such codecan be, for example, source code or object code. The code can cause theprocessor 52 to perform various techniques for processing images takenwith an endoscope. The processor 52 can be in communication with otherprocessors, for example, within a network, such as an intranet, such asa local or wide area network, or an extranet, such as the World Wide Webor the Internet. The network can be physically implemented on a wirelessor wired network, on leased or dedicated lines, including, for example,a virtual private network (VPN).

The memory 57 of the processor 52 can include one or more types ofmemory. For example, the memory 57 can include a read only memory (ROM)component and a random access memory (RAM) component. The memory 57 canalso include other types of memory that are suitable for storing data ina form retrievable by the processor. For example, electronicallyprogrammable read only memory (EPROM), erasable electronicallyprogrammable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, as well as othersuitable forms of memory can be included within the memory 57. Theprocessor 52 can also include a variety of other components, such as forexample, co-processors, graphic processors, etc., depending, forexample, upon the desired functionality of the code.

The processor 52 can store data in the memory 57 or retrieve datapreviously stored in the memory 57. The components of the processor 52can communicate with devices external to the processor 52, for example,by way of an input/output (I/O) component (not shown). According to oneor more embodiments, the I/O component can include a variety of suitablecommunication interfaces. For example, the I/O component can include,for example, wired connections, such as standard serial ports, parallelports, universal serial bus (USB) ports, Svideo ports, local areanetwork (LAN) ports, small computer system interface (SCCI) ports, andso forth. Additionally, the I/O component can include, for example,wireless connections, such as infrared ports, optical ports, Bluetooth®wireless ports, wireless LAN ports, or the like.

The endoscope 20 can be coupled to the system controller 50 and/or thevarious components described in association of the system controller 50(e.g., light controller 56, processor 52, image controller 54) withcables or wires or can include a wireless connection. For example, theendoscope 20 can be configured to provide short range transmission ofsignals (e.g., image detector or sensor data) from the endoscope 20(e.g., a processor or chip within the handle) to, for example, thesystem controller 50 at a location outside of the sterile field. Batteryoperated electronics and illumination (e.g., battery operated lightsources 38) can minimize the number of hard connections needed tooperate the endoscope. An endoscope 20 can be configured to transmitdata from any point in the process chain from raw pixel value to fullvideo signal.

The endoscope 20 can be used to illuminate and image a body lumen B, andcan also optionally be used to identify an area of interest within abody lumen. The endoscope 20 can be inserted at least partially into abody lumen B, such as a ureter, and the light controller 56 and lightsource 38 can be used to illuminate the body lumen or a portion of thebody lumen. The body lumen can be observed while being illuminated viaan eyepiece as described above, or the body lumen can be imaged usingthe image detector 36 and image controller 54. The images can bedisplayed on the image display device 60. In embodiments where theendoscope 20 is coupled to a spectrometer, the light intensity andspectrum can also be measured and/or displayed. For example, the portionof the image associated with the area of interest can be measured by thespectrometer.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a distal end portion of anembodiment of an endoscope. An endoscope 120 includes an elongate member122 and a distal endoscope tip 130 (also referred to as “endoscope tip”)coupled to a distal end portion of the elongate member 122. The elongatemember 122 defines a first lumen 142, a second lumen 144 and a thirdlumen 146. The endoscope 120 can be coupled to various control devices(not shown in FIG. 2), such as, for example, a system controller, lightcontroller, image controller and/or an image display device as describedwith reference to FIG. 1.

The endoscope tip 130 includes a housing 132 formed with a transparentmaterial that encases several optical components. In this embodiment thehousing 132 encases (at least partially) multiple different opticalcomponents for illustrative purposes to demonstrate the versatility ofthe endoscope tip 130. In other embodiments, various other combinationsof optical components can be encased by the housing 132.

The housing 132 includes an annular flange 180 configured to be coupledto the elongate body 120 with for example, an adhesive, a friction fitconnection or other suitable coupling. The housing 132 also defines alumen 174 that is in communication with the lumen 144 of the elongatebody 122. An optical surface 168 is configured to focus or disperselight sent by an illumination optical fiber 148. The housing 132 alsodefines multiple cavities 170, 171 and 172 in which various opticalcomponents can be at least partially disposed. Disposed within cavity171 is a LED light source 162. The illumination optical fibers 148 ispartially disposed within the cavity 172. An image detector 136 (e.g.,CCD, CID, PDA, or CMOS) is disposed within cavity 170 and has powerand/or signal lines extending from the cavity 170 (e.g., cable 166). Theillumination optical fiber 148 is shown in FIG. 2 as a single strand,but it should be understood that such an optical fiber can include oneor more optical fibers. For example, illumination optical fibers 148 caninclude optical fiber bundles. Any of the optical components can also bearrayed proximal to the housing 132, and can be separated, or incontact, or bonded to the housing 132.

In addition to optical components extending within cavities of, orproximal to, the housing 132, several optical components are encased ormolded or formed within the material of the housing 132. A lens ormultiple lenses 134 are encased within the housing 132 distal to theimage detector 136. A light shield 178 is disposed within the housing132 to at least partially block light emitted from the LED light sourcefrom being received by the image detector 136, and a reflector 164 isencased within the housing 132 to help focus or redirect light from theLED light source 162. The housing 132 also includes an example patternof a diffuser portion 140, which as described above, can includemicro-defects within the material of the housing 132. As describedabove, the micro-defects portion 140 can be configured to diffuse,focus, filter or converge light from the LED light source 162. In someembodiments, such diffusion can permit the endoscope tip 130 to “glow”and softly illuminate the inspection site.

The illumination optical fiber 148 extends through the lumen 142 of theelongate body 122 and can be coupled to, for example, an external lightsource (not shown) and/or a light controller (not shown). The imagedetector 136 is coupled to a cable 166 that extends through the lumen142 and can be coupled to, for example, an image controller (not shown),a power source, and/or a system controller. The LED light source 162 iscoupled to a power cable 173 that extends through the lumen 146 of theelongate body 122 and can be coupled to, for example, a power source(not shown) and/or system controller (not shown). A medical tool 176 isshown disposed through the lumen 174 and can extend out an opening 175and distally of the endoscope tip 130. The medical tool 176 is merely anexample of a tool that can be used in conjunction with the endoscope120.

FIG. 3 illustrates an endoscope tip 230 according to another exampleembodiment. The endoscope tip 230 can be coupled to an elongate member(not shown) of an endoscope as described above, using a mounting surface280. The endoscope tip 230 includes a housing 232 formed with atransparent material. In this embodiment, the housing 232 defines acavity 242, a cavity 246 and a lumen 244, which can each be incommunication with a corresponding lumen of an elongate member asdescribed above for endoscope 120. The lumen 244 can be used as aworking channel to receive various medical tools. In this embodiment, aLED light source 262 is disposed within cavity 246, and an imagedetector 236 is disposed within cavity 242. Encased within the housing232 is a light shield 278 disposed between the LED light source 262 andthe image detector 236, and lenses 234 that are disposed distal to theimage detector 236. The light shield 278 may also form a complete sleevearound the image detector 236 and lenses 234.

FIG. 4 is another example of an endoscope tip. An endoscope tip 330includes a housing 332 formed of a transparent material and that definesa cavity 346 and a cavity 342. The housing 332 can be coupled to anelongate member of an endoscope via mounting surface 380 as describedabove. In this embodiment, an imaging optical fiber (or optical fibers)382 is disposed within the cavity 342 and an illumination optical fiber(or optical fibers) 348 is disposed within cavity 346. For example, theimaging fiber 382 can be coupled to an image detector at a proximal endportion of the endoscope 320. As with the previous embodiment, thecavity 346 and the cavity 342 can each be in communication with acorresponding lumen of an elongate member of an endoscope. Lenses 334are disposed distal to the imaging fiber(s) 382 and a diffuser ormicro-defects portion 340 has been induced into the housing 332. Asshown in FIG. 4, the diffuser portion 340 illustrates an example of alinear pattern of defects induced within the material of the housing332. In some embodiments, the lenses 334 can alternatively be disposedwithin a cavity (not shown) defined by the housing 332 and extendinginward from a distal surface of the housing 332. In some embodiments, adistal end of the imaging fibers 382 can terminate at a locationproximal to the housing 332 (rather than extending into a cavity in thehousing).

FIG. 5 illustrates an endoscope 520 that includes an endoscope tip 530according to another example embodiment coupled to an elongate member522. The endoscope tip 530 can be coupled to the elongate member 522, asdescribed above, using a mounting surface 580. The endoscope tip 530includes a housing 532 formed with a transparent material. In thisembodiment, the housing 532 defines a first lumen 544 and a second lumen545, which can each be in communication with a lumen 546 (or separatecorresponding lumens as described above for endoscope 120) of theelongate member 522. In this embodiment, a LED light source 562 (oralternatively, a fiberoptic light source) is disposed proximal to theendoscope tip 530 within a lumen 546 of the elongate member 522. Thefirst lumen 544 of the endoscope tip 530 can be used as a workingchannel to receive various medical tools (not shown in FIG. 5). An imagedetector 536 coupled to a lens stack 534 is disposed within the secondlumen 545. Encased within the housing 532 are two light shields 578 and579 disposed around the image detector 536 and the lens stack 534. Itshould be understood that more or less than two light shields canalternatively be included. A micro-defects portion 540 is disposedwithin a portion of the housing 532 to shape the output of the lightsource.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a portion of an endoscope system according toan embodiment. In this embodiment, an endoscope 420 includes an elongatemember 422 and an endoscope tip 430 that can each be configured asdescribed above for previous embodiments. The endoscope 420 can becoupled to a system controller and/or other processing components (notshown in FIGS. 6 and 7). For illustration purposes, FIGS. 6 and 7 showonly an image display device 460 coupled to the endoscope 420, but itshould be understood that other components discussed above can also beincluded.

In this embodiment, the endoscope 420 includes an actuator 428 that iscoupled to a handle 424 of the endoscope 420 and can be rotated relativeto the handle 424. In alternative embodiments, other types of actuatorscan be used such as, for example, levers, buttons, or knobs.

An image processor (not shown in FIGS. 6 and 7) can be included withinthe handle 424 and operatively coupled to the image display device 460.The image processor can send a signal to the image display device 460 tocause the display of a mark 484 on an image being viewed on the imagedisplay device 460. The mark 484 corresponds to a reference mark 486 onthe actuator 428 and represents an orientation of the endoscope 420 andimage detector (not shown in FIGS. 6 and 7). For example, as shown inFIG. 6, the endoscope 420 can be inserted into a body lumen B, with theactuator 428 at a first rotational location relative to the handle 424and an image 452 of the body lumen B can be produced by an imagedetector (not shown in FIGS. 6 and 7) of the endoscope 420. The imageprocessor (not shown in FIGS. 6 and 7) can send a signal to the imagedisplay device 460 to display the image 452 of the body lumen B with themark 484 visible on the image 452. The location of the mark 484 on theimage 452 correlates to the rotational location of the reference mark486 relative to the handle 424 and an orientation of the endoscope 420.

The orientation of image 452 on the video display 460 can be modified bythe practitioner through manipulation of the actuator 428. For example,the actuator 428 can be rotated relative to the handle 424 such that thereference mark 486 on the actuator 428 is located at a differentrotational location relative to the handle 424, as shown in FIG. 7. Theimage 452 will be rotated in the display on the image display device 460by the number of degrees corresponding to the number of degrees theactuator 428 was rotated relative to the handle 424. The location of themark 484 viewable on the image 452 will also be moved to maintain areference to the location of the initial orientation of the endoscope420 and handle 424 (such as the “top”, or “up”). Thus, the practitionercan manipulate an image, such as turning the image to a desiredposition, through actuation of the actuator 428. In some embodiments,the reference mark 486 can provide a reference to a nominal “top” of animage. In some embodiments, the image processor can be configured tomark the orientation of an image relative to a longitudinal axis of thebody lumen.

In some embodiments, an endoscope system can provide electronic imagemovement tracking capabilities to provide relevant anatomic orientationmarkers or labeling such as anterior, posterior, cephalad, or thelocation of pathology or foreign objects, etc. For example, an object orarea of interest can be electronically marked or tagged by the user byactuating a selection button (or other type of actuator) with a cursorover the area of interest within an image. Software and/or hardwarebased image processing tracks the change in location of tagged objectsand other landmarks in consecutive video frames. The area of interestcan be tracked when the image is moved away by providing, for example,directional arrows pointing to the selected or tagged area of interestto allow the practitioner to quickly return to that area of interest. Insuch an embodiment, the endoscope can also include a sensor to track themovement of the endoscope after an object has been marked. For example,longitudinal and/or rotational movement of the endoscope can bemonitored. The endoscope can also include a calibration processorconfigured to calibrate a position of the endoscope, and to determine adirection of the arrows pointing to the area of interest within theimage relative to the position of the endoscope.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method of imaging a body lumen. At 90, adistal end portion of an endoscope can be inserted into a body lumen ofa patient. At 92, an image is captured of the body lumen (or a portionof the body lumen) using an image detector included at the distal endportion of the endoscope. The image is displayed on an image displaydevice at 94. A mark is displayed at a first location within the imageindicating a first orientation of the image relative to the endoscope.At 96, the image is reoriented such that the mark within the image ispositioned at a second location within the image. The second location ofthe mark within the image indicates a second orientation of the imagerelative to the endoscope. For example, in some embodiments, an actuatoron a handle of the endoscope can be rotated such that a reference markon the actuator is moved from a first position relative to the handle toa second position relative to the handle. The position of the referencemark on the handle can represent a position of the image relative to theendoscope. In some embodiments, at 98, the user can actuate a secondactuator to cause a tracking mark to be displayed within an image tomark or tag a selected area of interest within the body lumen. Forexample, the second actuator can be coupled to the image display devicethat allows the user to place a cursor over the area of interest withinthe image and then to place a tracking mark on the image to indicate thelocation of the area of interest.

Some embodiments relate to a computer storage product with acomputer-readable medium (also can be referred to as aprocessor-readable medium) having instructions or computer code thereonfor performing various computer-implemented operations. The media andcomputer code (also can be referred to as code) may be those speciallydesigned and constructed for the specific purpose or purposes. Examplesof computer-readable media include, but are not limited to: magneticstorage media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape;optical storage media such as Compact Disc/Digital Video Discs(CD/DVDs), Compact Disc-Read Only Memories (CD-ROMs), and holographicdevices; magneto-optical storage media such as optical disks; carrierwave signals; and hardware devices that are specially configured tostore and execute program code, such as Application-Specific IntegratedCircuits (ASICs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), and ROM and RAMdevices. Examples of computer code include, but are not limited to,micro-code or micro-instructions, machine instructions, such as producedby a compiler, and files containing higher-level instructions that areexecuted by a computer using an interpreter. For example, an embodimentof the invention can be implemented using Java, C++, or otherobject-oriented programming language and development tools. Additionalexamples of computer code include, but are not limited to, controlsignals, encrypted code, and compressed code.

Although some embodiments herein are described in connection withoptical images and the processes performed in connection with theseoptical images, it should be understood that all such embodiments can beconsidered in connection with signals (e.g., analog or digital signals)that are associated with or represent these optical images and therelated processes. Similarly, to the extent that some embodiments hereare described in connection with such signals, it should be understoodthat all such embodiments can be considered in connection with theassociated optical images and the processes with respect to theseoptical images.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and notlimitation. While embodiments have been particularly shown anddescribed, it will be understood by those skilled in art that variouschanges in form and details may be made.

For example, the endoscope systems, endoscopes, and/or endoscope tipsdescribed herein can include various combinations and/orsub-combinations of the components and/or features of the variousembodiments described. The endoscopes described herein can be configuredto image various areas within a body. For example, an endoscope can beconfigured for use to image or illuminate any location within a patient,such as any body lumen or cavity, tissue or organ. The various opticalcomponents can be incorporated within a fiberscope or an electronicimaging or illuminating endoscope.

An endoscope according to various embodiments can have a variety ofdifferent shapes and sizes, and include a different quantity of lumensand cavities, and various different features and capabilities. Forexample, an endoscope according to various embodiments can also includeother features and/or components such as, for example, irrigation andsuction devices and or capabilities. In another example, optical fiberscan include a variety of different quantities of fibers and the fiberscan be different shapes and sizes.

In addition, an endoscope tip can include various optical componentsdisposed in various locations and combinations not necessarily describedherein. For example, lenses can be disposed adjacent (e.g., distally) ofan illumination source (e.g., 38, 162, 148, 262, 348, 562) and/or animaging device (e.g., 36, 136, 236, 382, 536). Cavities configured toreceive an optical component can extend into a housing of an endoscopetip from a proximal end, a distal end, a side portion, or any othersurface area of the endoscope tip. A micro-defects portion can beincluded in various locations within a housing and multiplemicro-defects portions can be included. The micro-defects portions shownherein are merely examples of the types and patterns that can beproduced, as various shapes, sizes, patterns, etc. can be provided. Insome embodiments, only a single optical component is included within theendoscope tip.

An endoscope according to embodiments described herein can also beprovided without the system controller and related devices describedherein. For example, an endoscope can be configured to be used withother controllers, power sources, light sources, imaging devices etc.,not specifically described herein. Likewise, the system controller (andrelated devices) described herein can be used with other configurationsof an endoscope.

1-16. (canceled)
 17. An apparatus, comprising: an endoscope including anelongate member and an image detector disposed at a distal end portionof the elongate member, the image detector configured to generate animage signal; a handle coupled to the elongate member of the endoscope;and an actuator coupled to the handle, the actuator configured to beactuated by a user to modify an orientation of an image when the imageis displayed on an image display device, the image being associated withthe image signal.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: aprocessor operatively coupled to the actuator and configured to send asignal to the image display device to modify the orientation of theimage.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a processoroperatively coupled to the actuator and configured to send a signal tothe image display device to display a mark within the image when theimage is displayed on the image display device, a location of the markwithin the displayed image being associated with an orientation of theimage relative to an endoscope.
 20. The apparatus of claim 17, whereinthe actuator is a first actuator, the apparatus further comprising: asecond actuator coupled to the handle, the second actuator configured tobe selectively actuated by a user to send a signal to the image displaydevice such that a mark is displayed within an image, the markindicating a location of an area of interest within the image when theimage is displayed.
 21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the endoscopeincludes a housing disposed at the distal end portion of the endoscope,the housing being formed with a transparent material, the image detectorbeing at least partially encased within the housing.
 22. The apparatusof claim 17, wherein the endoscope includes a housing disposed at thedistal end portion of the endoscope, the housing being formed of atransparent material and including a micro-defects portion formed in atleast a portion of the housing.
 23. A method, comprising: inserting anendoscope into a body lumen of a patient; imaging the body lumen with animage detector of the endoscope; actuating an actuator coupled to ahandle of the endoscope such that an orientation of an image of the bodylumen is modified when displayed on an image display device.
 24. Themethod of claim 23, wherein the actuator is a first actuator, the methodfurther comprising: actuating a second actuator to send a signal to theimage display device such that a mark is displayed within the displayedimage of the body lumen at an area of interest.
 25. The method of claim23, wherein the actuating includes rotating the actuator relative to thehandle of the endoscope such that a reference mark on the actuator is ata desired rotational location relative to the handle, the rotationallocation of the reference mark being associated with an orientation ofthe displayed image relative to the endoscope.